The Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), celebrated its fifth anniversary on Friday with the first induction for the Jamaica Music Hall of Fame, saluting a wide array of musical icons from mento to reggae. The salutation was not only for on-stage performers, but also for those behind-the-scene unsung heroes and one noteworthy institution. It was a well attended history-making ceremony held on the lawns of the Pegasus Hotel.

Seven of the individual inductees were honoured posthumously. These were legendary folklorist/poet, Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverly; master drummer and founder of the Mysic Revelation of Rastafari (MRR), Oswald Williams, aka Count Ossie; pioneer mento/calypsonian, Norman Thomas, better known as Lord Flea; founder of the Alpha Boys' School, Sister Mary Ignatius Davies; legendary producer/director, Vere Johns, who founded the famous Opportunity Hour talent contest, legendary record producer, Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd of Studio One fame; and giant record producer Arthur 'Duke' Reid.

The original Wailers - comprising Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Junior Brathwaite, Beverly Kelso and Cherry Green - were also inducted. Of the group only Bunny Wailer, Kelso and Green are alive.

Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook and Jerome 'Jah Jerry' Hinds (all deceased) from the immortal Skatalites Band were also honoured

Only two on the distinguished roll of honour were present to bask in the glory of their time-honoured moment. They were veteran ethnomusicologist/founder of the Jamaica Folk Singers and the Jamaica Orchestra for Youth, Dr Olive Lewin and the incomparable master guitarist, Ernest Ranglin. Ska legend Derrick Morgan, was unavoidably absent, as he is now on a tour of Europe.

The induction ceremony for which well-known broadcaster/actor, Fae Ellington, read the citations, was the high jujrknhjpoint of the JAVAA's anniversary show which saw a slew of contemporary artistes providing first class entertainment by covering the material of some of the departed icons.

Exceptional among these were Lymie Murray's remarkable sampling of Jacob Miller's work; Aaron Silk living up to the standard of his illustrious brother Garnet Silk, superbly; Elaine Peart, could have been mistaken for Adina Edwards, especially on Don't Forget to Remember; Althea D Chic, did more than justice to Cynthia Schloss' reputation, so did George Nooks, with the material of the crown prince, Dennis Emmauel Brown; Lloyd Parks with the songs of Slim Smith; Robbie Lyn on melodica bringing the memories of Agustus Pablo to life; ace guitarist Dwight Pinkney delightfully picking the melodies of Bob Marley; and veteran saxophonist, 'Deadly' Headley Bennet, was at his vintage best covering the likes of Roland Alphonso and Tommy McCook.

But the biggest surprise of the night came from Ras Mandito and Orville Bagga Case of Home T-fame teaming up for their journey into the songbook of the Blues Busters. The surprise wasn't about their vocal powess, but the extent to which they came close perfecting the sound and nuances of the two performers whose work they were celebrating.

Ras Mandito and Bagga Case provided a most entertaining set which had people suggesting that they should seriously consider forming a duo which would take their musical careers new heights.

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